Antonio Serna, 4 (right), cracks a cascarón over the head of Spencer Smith, 6, at Monday's Fiesta River Parade.

Antonio Serna, 4 (right), cracks a cascarón over the head of Spencer Smith, 6, at Monday's Fiesta River Parade.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

Image 3 of 46

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 4 of 46

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 5 of 46

Mary Lou Hernandez puts finishing touches on a piece as she operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Mary Lou Hernandez puts finishing touches on a piece as she operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 6 of 46

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Mary Lou Hernandez operates the Cascarone Store on April 13, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 7 of 46

Rey Feo Fernando C. Reyes salutes the crowd with a cascarone as Fiesta kicked off in front of the Alamo with the Fiesta San Antonio Official Opening Ceremony, Friday, April 18, 2008.

Rey Feo Fernando C. Reyes salutes the crowd with a cascarone as Fiesta kicked off in front of the Alamo with the Fiesta San Antonio Official Opening Ceremony, Friday, April 18, 2008.

Photo: Bob Owen, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 8 of 46

Rey Feo Fernando Reyes (above) cracks the first cascaron of Fiesta 2008 over the head of A.J. Rodriguez, president of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Rey Feo Fernando Reyes (above) cracks the first cascaron of Fiesta 2008 over the head of A.J. Rodriguez, president of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 9 of 46

NIOSA 1969: Revelers crack cascarones on each other's heads.

NIOSA 1969: Revelers crack cascarones on each other's heads.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News File Photo

Image 10 of 46

Around 200,000 eggs are made into cascarones each year by volunteers of the San Antonio Conservation Society. Though most of the cascarones are meant to be cracked over one's head, a small collection of hand-painted eggs are sold as souvenirs or memorabilia such as the ones shown in the photo. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Around 200,000 eggs are made into cascarones each year by volunteers of the San Antonio Conservation Society. Though most of the cascarones are meant to be cracked over one's head, a small collection of ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 11 of 46

Around 200,000 eggs are made into cascarones each year by volunteers of the San Antonio Conservation Society. Though most of the cascarones are meant to be cracked over one's head, a small collection of hand-painted eggs are sold as souvenirs or memorabilia such as the ones shown in the photo. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Around 200,000 eggs are made into cascarones each year by volunteers of the San Antonio Conservation Society. Though most of the cascarones are meant to be cracked over one's head, a small collection of ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 12 of 46

Volunteer Angelica Teneyuca places confetti inside of eggshells. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Volunteer Angelica Teneyuca places confetti inside of eggshells. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 13 of 46

Confetti-filled cascarones are an Easter tradition in San Antonio.

Confetti-filled cascarones are an Easter tradition in San Antonio.

Photo: Photo By Dr. Ricardo Romo

Image 14 of 46

In this March 2012 image released by Cynthia Leonor Garza, a batch of cascarones are shown at the home of Cynthia Leonor Garza in Washington, D.C. Cascarones are hollowed-out eggs that are dyed, decorated and filled with confetti, then covered with a colorful piece of tissue paper. At Easter time, families make or buy cascarones, which is Spanish for "eggshells," for crushing over each other's heads. The tradition came to the United States from Mexico, where cascarones were used during fiestas and other celebrations. In the United States, it has become primarily an Easter and Fiesta tradition. less

In this March 2012 image released by Cynthia Leonor Garza, a batch of cascarones are shown at the home of Cynthia Leonor Garza in Washington, D.C. Cascarones are hollowed-out eggs that are dyed, decorated and ... more

Photo: AP

Image 15 of 46

In this March 2012 image released by Cynthia Leonor Garza, a batch of cascarones are shown at the home of Cynthia Leonor Garza in Washington, D.C. Cascarones are hollowed-out eggs that are dyed, decorated and filled with confetti, then covered with a colorful piece of tissue paper. At Easter time, families make or buy cascarones, which is Spanish for "eggshells," for crushing over each other's heads. The tradition came to the United States from Mexico, where cascarones were used during fiestas and other celebrations. In the United States, it has become primarily an Easter and Fiesta tradition. less

In this March 2012 image released by Cynthia Leonor Garza, a batch of cascarones are shown at the home of Cynthia Leonor Garza in Washington, D.C. Cascarones are hollowed-out eggs that are dyed, decorated and ... more

Photo: AP

Image 16 of 46

Judy Simon carefully applies glue to a cascarone. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Judy Simon carefully applies glue to a cascarone. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 17 of 46

While some think Fiesta -- particularly Night in Old San Antonio -- is the trigger for cascaron-bashing season, Easter is the real impetus behind these party eggs in the local Hispanic community. Why Easter? While the exact origin of cascarones remains shrouded in the mists of time, one written source says the broken eggshell symbolizes Christ's empty tomb, the confetti inside the joy of the resurrection. less

While some think Fiesta -- particularly Night in Old San Antonio -- is the trigger for cascaron-bashing season, Easter is the real impetus behind these party eggs in the local Hispanic community. Why Easter? ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 18 of 46

"The different colors of confetti symbolize the different kinds of graces or favors from God. When we break a cascaron over someone's head, the paper goes all over. It means God is showering you with graces." believes Sister Rosa Maria Icaza, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. less

"The different colors of confetti symbolize the different kinds of graces or favors from God. When we break a cascaron over someone's head, the paper goes all over. It means God is showering you with graces." ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 19 of 46

The tradition of the cascaron traveled from Italy to Spain, then to Mexico via Carlotta, wife of Maximilian the Emperor who ruled Mexico from 1864 to 1867. In Mexico today, cascarones pop up at almost every holiday event. less

The tradition of the cascaron traveled from Italy to Spain, then to Mexico via Carlotta, wife of Maximilian the Emperor who ruled Mexico from 1864 to 1867. In Mexico today, cascarones pop up at almost every ... more

Image 20 of 46

One local expert says cascarones and other Easter egg-related rituals actually predate Christianity, reaching back to pagan times, when the egg represented fertility.

One local expert says cascarones and other Easter egg-related rituals actually predate Christianity, reaching back to pagan times, when the egg represented fertility.

Photo: treel@express-news.net

Image 21 of 46

Cascarones, painted eggshells filled with confetti, prepared by volunteers and workers with San Antonio Conversation Society, await the beginning of Fiesta at A Night in Old San Antonio Headquarters on Presa Street downtown in San Antonio. less

Cascarones, painted eggshells filled with confetti, prepared by volunteers and workers with San Antonio Conversation Society, await the beginning of Fiesta at A Night in Old San Antonio Headquarters on Presa ... more

There is no quicker way to get into the Fiesta spirit than to smash one of these confetti-filled bad boys on someone's head.

There is no quicker way to get into the Fiesta spirit than to smash one of these confetti-filled bad boys on someone's head.

Image 24 of 46

King Antonio holds the tie he cut from Bill Mock's shirt and Rey Feo, Larry Benson, Sr. breaks a cascarone over Ramiro Cavazos as Fiesta kicks off at the Alamo with King Antonio and Rey Feo on April 18, 2013. less

King Antonio holds the tie he cut from Bill Mock's shirt and Rey Feo, Larry Benson, Sr. breaks a cascarone over Ramiro Cavazos as Fiesta kicks off at the Alamo with King Antonio and Rey Feo on April 18, ... more

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 25 of 46

Rey Feo smashes a cascarone into King Antonio as Fiesta kicks off at the Alamo with King Antonio and Rey Feo on April 18, 2013.

Rey Feo smashes a cascarone into King Antonio as Fiesta kicks off at the Alamo with King Antonio and Rey Feo on April 18, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

Image 26 of 46

Chloe Sifuentes, 3, reaches to get a cascarón out of a basket at the St. Philips College Culture Fest and Rib Cook-off in April 2009.

Chloe Sifuentes, 3, reaches to get a cascarón out of a basket at the St. Philips College Culture Fest and Rib Cook-off in April 2009.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

Image 27 of 46

Decoration Chair Elizabeth Schleigh (left) accepts a batch of cascarones from another volunteer on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2012. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Decoration Chair Elizabeth Schleigh (left) accepts a batch of cascarones from another volunteer on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2012. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 28 of 46

Volunteers Connie Lines (seated from left), Josephine Arredondo and Judy Simon help make cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Volunteers Connie Lines (seated from left), Josephine Arredondo and Judy Simon help make cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 29 of 46

Volunteer Elsa Rodriguez takes eggs back to her seat to be finished as cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Volunteer Elsa Rodriguez takes eggs back to her seat to be finished as cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 30 of 46

Angie De Pena (right) and Patsy Lee do their part in filling eggshells with confetti. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Angie De Pena (right) and Patsy Lee do their part in filling eggshells with confetti. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 31 of 46

Patsy Lee (left) joins other volunteers in making cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower decorations for Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA). less

Patsy Lee (left) joins other volunteers in making cascarones. Practically year-round, volunteers from the San Antonio Conservation Society spend their time on making cascarones and crepe paper flower ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Kin Man Hui/Express-News

Image 32 of 46

Henrietta Martinez, center, reacts to getting hit with a Cascarone next to her daughter, Patricia Alva, right, with Aaliyah Alva, 3, months, during the Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio on Friday, April 15, 2011. less

Henrietta Martinez, center, reacts to getting hit with a Cascarone next to her daughter, Patricia Alva, right, with Aaliyah Alva, 3, months, during the Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio on Friday, April ... more

Photo: LISA KRANTZ, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 33 of 46

Steve Martinez carries several dozen cascarones he purchased at La Princesa, a store at 1301 Culebra, Tuesday, April 12, 2011. He was planning on using the cascarones over the Fiesta season.

Steve Martinez carries several dozen cascarones he purchased at La Princesa, a store at 1301 Culebra, Tuesday, April 12, 2011. He was planning on using the cascarones over the Fiesta season.

Photo: JERRY LARA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 34 of 46

Dozens of cascarones are on display for sale at La Princesa Gift Shop, a store at 1301 Culebra, Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Although the store sells the eggshells year round, demand for the product goes up during the Easter Season.

Dozens of cascarones are on display for sale at La Princesa Gift Shop, a store at 1301 Culebra, Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Although the store sells the eggshells year round, demand for the product goes up during

There are two types of people in the world: Those who carefully crack open the cascaron with their fingers and gently litter the contents upon the victim's head, and those who smash it down and grind the contents in a circular motion until bits of confetti practically become embedded in the victim's scalp. less

There are two types of people in the world: Those who carefully crack open the cascaron with their fingers and gently litter the contents upon the victim's head, and those who smash it down and grind the ... more

Photo: en

Image 38 of 46

Patricia Voorhees of Conroe and Shirley May of San Antonio abandon the traditional method of cracking cascarones on someone's head in favor of pouring out the confetti.

Patricia Voorhees of Conroe and Shirley May of San Antonio abandon the traditional method of cracking cascarones on someone's head in favor of pouring out the confetti.

Photo: EN

Image 39 of 46

No one can say for sure if the predecessors of modern cascarones traveled the world before becoming part of celebrations in Mexico and the Southwest, but that theory is the one most often used to explain the origins of the custom enjoyed by so many during Fiesta. less

No one can say for sure if the predecessors of modern cascarones traveled the world before becoming part of celebrations in Mexico and the Southwest, but that theory is the one most often used to explain the ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 40 of 46

Files kept by the Institute of Texan Cultures point to the use of cascarones in modern mating rituals throughout Mexico and the Southwest. In the rituals, boys crush cascarones on girls' heads to indicate their interest. The more confetti a girl collects in her hair, the story goes, the more obvious her popularity. less

Files kept by the Institute of Texan Cultures point to the use of cascarones in modern mating rituals throughout Mexico and the Southwest. In the rituals, boys crush cascarones on girls' heads to indicate their ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 41 of 46

Cascaron mischief abounds during the opening ceremony for Fiesta 2004 in Alamo Plaza.

Cascaron mischief abounds during the opening ceremony for Fiesta 2004 in Alamo Plaza.

Image 42 of 46

Miss Fiesta 2nd Princess Justine Marmolejo gets in on the cascaron action as the crowd at Fiesta San Antonio's official opening ceremony ends it with a bash in 2008.

Miss Fiesta 2nd Princess Justine Marmolejo gets in on the cascaron action as the crowd at Fiesta San Antonio's official opening ceremony ends it with a bash in 2008.

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 43 of 46

Deborah Payeur of Ohio grimaces as her friend Jackie Mitchell of New Braunfels smashes a cascaron on her head while attending Night in Old San Antonio in 2000.

Deborah Payeur of Ohio grimaces as her friend Jackie Mitchell of New Braunfels smashes a cascaron on her head while attending Night in Old San Antonio in 2000.

Photo: en

Image 44 of 46

A San Antonio police officer is cascaroned by Lillie Garza, left, and at the start of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in 2002.

A San Antonio police officer is cascaroned by Lillie Garza, left, and at the start of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in 2002.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Image 45 of 46

Kathryn Ellwood laughs as she cracks a cascaron on the head of her mother, Molly, at Howard Early Childhood Center's mini-Fiesta in 2004.

Kathryn Ellwood laughs as she cracks a cascaron on the head of her mother, Molly, at Howard Early Childhood Center's mini-Fiesta in 2004.

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 46 of 46

Cascarones are big business in S.A.

1 / 46

Back to Gallery

They're destined to be cracked over someone's head and discarded, but to Mary Lou Hernandez, the cascarón is nothing less than a piece of art.

“It takes a lot of concentration, artistic design and detail — it's a very difficult process and a lot of hard work to make each one,” said Hernandez, who has hand-decorated more than 3,000 cascarones this year.

Hernandez, owner of The Cascarón Store on Broadway, is helping supply San Antonio with one of its most colorful traditions.

Cascarones are a staple of the Easter and Fiesta season in South Texas, and hundreds of thousands of confetti-filled eggshells will be cracked over the heads of unsuspecting revelers this week to spread good luck.

John Melleky, CEO of the Fiesta Commission, said the tradition started in Mexico. The confetti eggs are sold year-round, but sales in San Antonio peak at this time of year.

“Cascarones are one part of Fiesta that really brings out the revelry of the occasion,” Melleky said. “They really celebrate the culture, history and heritage, and cascarones are one really important part of it where people can shower others in good luck.”

Most Popular

With Easter and Fiesta being separated by several weeks this year, cascarón vendors have seen two waves of demand in the past month.

Their quality may vary, but the confetti eggs pervade almost every level of retail in San Antonio. They can be found at established retailers such as H-E-B and Wal-Mart and local party-supply stores such as Amols', but they're also sold out of homes and from trucks on the side of the road.

A carton of confetti eggs typically costs $2 or $3, but more intricately designed eggs can cost up to $7.

The high demand of cascarones sparked Hernandez to open of The Cascarón Store, which she hopes to convert to a nonprofit in support of autism. She spends between 30 and 45 minutes on each cascarón, sanitizing the egg, using tools from her experience in art to cut a hole and drain its contents, and painting elaborate designs.

“I decide about the design as an artist,” said Hernandez, who also makes and sells Fiesta wreaths and maracas. “I make sure they're really cute, and the amount of detail I put into them is overwhelming. I do an extensive amount of detail, and I love doing that.”

The cascarón is a dependably popular item for larger party stores as well. San Antonio-based Amols' will sell about 250,000 cascarones to customers and another 250,000 as a wholesaler to larger stores in the area, according to Jeffrey Weiss, owner of Amols'.

“They're constant — it's not like the new iPhone,” Weiss said. “These have been around for a long, long time. These are like chocolate bunnies. Chocolate bunnies are never going to go away.”

The penalty for undeclared cascarones is $1,000 per person and more than $50,000 if they're for commercial use, according to a news release from CBP.

The aim is to stop the potential spread of viruses such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, a contagious bird disease that can be spread to humans.

Weiss said the eggs he purchases have to pass an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and they don't sell uncertified eggs.

Hernandez said she orders her eggs and confetti online and abides by USDA regulations for the eggs. She looks to buy eggs from the San Antonio area and said she would never use eggs from Mexico since they may not be properly sanitized.

“Being called The Cascarón Store, I take the eggs very seriously,” Hernandez said.